Fighting disinformation: Can You Believe It?

Can You Believe It? is an initiative dedicated to uncovering how disinformation reaches consumers and providing tools to help our audience fight its spread. Are you seeing disinformation in your social media feeds? Share with us by emailing tell@mpr.org.

February 26, 2020 6:00 AM

With an election on the horizon, older adults get help spotting fake news

Middle and high schools have been adding courses about how to spot fake news. Older adults also struggle to sort disinformation online, but there are fewer resources tackling the problem.

by Sam Gringlas

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February 25, 2020 3:13 PM

COVID-19 brings disinformation war to health care

The director of the World Health Organization recently said, “we’re not just fighting an epidemic; we’re fighting an infodemic,” when it comes to the COVID-19 coronavirus.

by Tom Crann and Dr. Jon Hallberg

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February 25, 2020 4:00 AM

Seeing isn’t always believing: How to spot fake, edited images online

For the most part, high-quality image manipulation will be impossible to detect, especially when using the naked eye. However, there are some best practices to follow when you’re suspecting an image might not be legitimate.

by Cody Nelson

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February 25, 2020 4:00 AM

How to tell if a political poll is credible

Polls have long been a standard-issue tool of election year prognostication. But can you trust them? Here are some tips on becoming a savvy poll-reader.

by Craig Helmstetter and Sara Porter

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February 25, 2020 4:00 AM

How to vet a news source

With more news outlets than ever online, it’s crucial to evaluate the source of information before taking it into consideration. Here are five questions to test a news site’s credibility.

by Cody Nelson

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February 25, 2020 4:00 AM

How to speak disinformation: A glossary of terms

If you want to navigate disinformation, you’ll have to learn the language. Here’s a guide to some of the jargon you’ll likely hear when people talk about disinformation campaigns.

by Catharine Richert

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February 25, 2020 4:00 AM

How to spot a 'deepfake' video

“Deepfakes” are a high-tech way to fool voters, and experts are warning social media users to be on the watch. Here are some tips for spotting this latest tool of disinformation.

by Catharine Richert

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February 21, 2020 12:30 PM

Fake facts are flying about coronavirus. Now there's a plan to debunk them

Rumors and untruths are spreading online — from conspiracy theories about the origin of the virus to outlandish treatments.

by Malaka Gharib

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February 21, 2020 4:00 AM

Bogus story of an immigration raid brings chaos to Hmong market

Hmong community leaders are scrambling to set the record straight after an online post falsely claimed that federal immigration agents had arrested hundreds of people at a popular St. Paul market. Its posting set off a frenzy, playing on the fears of a very real proposal by the Trump administration to deport some Hmong and Lao immigrants.

by Riham Feshir